Trade 2018 delivers crowds, business opps

Commonwealth House at Broadbeach was the Gold Coast hub for Trade 2018 events.

The Trade 2018 program run in conjunction with the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games attracted more than 2,500 participants and generated multiple business opportunities, according to figures announced this week.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that the program was designed to forge new business partnerships across the Commonwealth, and had succeeded in attracting a wide range of delegates.

‘We were able to attract 38 international delegations spanning 26 countries to the events and activities during the Commonwealth Games as a result of a year-long international engagement campaign,’ she said.

‘We had delegates join us from countries including England, India, Canada, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Singapore, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.’

Ms Palaszczuk said that Trade 2018 participants were already reporting business benefits from participating in the program.

‘Early feedback from a survey of participants indicates more than 80% of attendees identified business opportunities through participation in the Trade 2018 program, while more than 85% said they had made new contacts or strengthened existing networks,’ she said.

‘Impressively, nearly 80% said they had improved capability to expand their business, which is a fantastic result for all involved.’

Ms Palaszczuk said that the Commonwealth Games were expected to generate additional exports and foreign direct investment of around $488 million in the next four years post-GC2018, including deals resulting from Trade 2018.

The Trade 2018 program featured 32 networking and showcase events at the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns.